Quite sadly

corrupt taxi drivers in Prague are one of the biggest problems commonly encountered by all visitors to Prague.

Tourist spots

Don't even think about getting into a taxi that is parked in front of the train station or at a tourist spots. They are waiting for unsuspecting tourists and are known to charge rates several times higher.

Locals

We hate them as much as you do! Czechs hate taxi drivers as much as they despise the police.

Another tip

If you feel that taxi driver will rip you off purposely make a show of writing down taxi registration no. for example to your mobile - you’re a lot less likely to be ripped off.

Call taxi

Be smart and order a taxi by phone from one of these reliable and courteous taxi companies.

Prague links

Dishonest taxis in Prague

Unfortunately, there are plenty of dishonest taxi drivers in Prague. The best general advice is to never pick a taxi that stands still in the street somewhere waiting for a customer (if they just sit and wait, they are likely the ones that make up for infrequent customers by ripping off the ones they do get). Instead, always pick one of them that cruises by you in the street with their sign lighted up. Always make sure that the meter is started when you roll away, and check that the price isn't ticking away too rapidly. Depending on the length of your trip, a downtown ride should never cost more than, say, 100 -250 Czech crowns, otherwise you are being ripped off. f you can! If possible - Avoid TAXIS everywhere in Prague, the price may often be much higher than expected.

If, by any chance, you take a taxi from a taxi station, always ask the driver (before getting in) where the place you need to go is; if you know where it is and you need a taxi, always ask how much it will cost - don't be tempted to go by meter (they can drive through a lot of little streets and charge a lot of money from you just to bring you to the other side of the street where you are).

Here are some tips that might save you nightmares and a few hundred crowns:

Advice for taking taxi in Prague

Phone a taxi in advance
When using radio-taxi or cabs contacted by phone you get the opportunity of finding out the valid price per kilometre and the company name as well as the identification number of taxi provided by the company. This option is almost safe (although there has been a few incidents reported as well).

Never hail a taxi from the tourist areas and spots
The drivers standing at ranks in the most frequent tourist areas such as Wenceslas Square, Lesser Town or Charles Bridge tend to be extremely expensive and it's not recommended to use them. There are also many rumours that some taxi ranks are controlled by Russian mafia. Even Czechs are very careful taking taxi from such a taxi ranks or hailing a random taxi ...

Use only an authorized cab
It happens than you need to take a cab and there is no phone around. In case like this make sure that you are getting into an authorized, properly marked taxi. It means that it is clearly marked with the identification number, the company name and fares printed clearly on the doors and a black and white checked stripes along the side. If these are missing the driver infringe the regulations and it's recommend to use another taxi.

Verify the price charged by the driver before getting in
The fare must be visible on the front doors. A complete price list including the basic (boarding) rate, the rate per kilometre that should never be more than 28 CZK (at night 40 CZK) and the rate for waiting per minute, must be set on the taximeter as well.

Insist on turning the meter on or even better negotiate price before getting in Unfortunately insisting on turning meter on might not be best option as many scrupulous drivers using some kind of devices which speed ups meter.

Ask for a receipt
You should always request a receipt (ucet prosim), although the driver is supposed to do so without asking. The full receipt must contain:
document number
taxi company's name and address
car's registration number (SPZ)
identification number
date of ride
times and places of departure and arrivals
basic rate + rate per kilometre + total distance
price including VAT
driver's name and signature
On the receipt printer out by the taximeter only the starting point, destination and the driver's signature can be filled in by hand. If the driver does not give the receipt or if it is incorrect, you are theoretically not required to pay the fare.

If not satisfied submit a formal complaint ( in reality very little help ...)
If you feel being ripped off by the taxi driver, it's better and safer to submit an official complain than to get into a personal conflict with the driver. Make sure that your complain contains the license number, identification number and company name.